YANGON, 21 Feb- The meeting to coordinate Fourth World Buddhist Summit was held at the Central Hall of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University in Mayangon Township at 11.30 am today, attended by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt. Also present at the meeting were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the Yangon mayor, the deputy the ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, the Pro-Rector and officials of the University, members of the Leading Committee, Working Committee and Sub-committees for Organizing the Summit.

At the meeting, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt delivered an address. He said that the leading committee, the working committee and sub-committees have been formed for holding the Fourth World Buddhist Summit in Myanmar this year and the committees are carrying out the tasks.

Committees concerned should make preparations to systematically hold the summit with essence of Theravada because the Theravada Buddhism is flourishing in Myanmar.

As they have gained experience of the previous summits held in Cambodia and Thailand, it is necessary to systematically host the fourth summit on a grander scale than the previous ones. Later, the work committee and subcommittees are to report progress of tasks, future programmes and requirements to the meeting.

Next, Secretary of the Leading Committee Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung reported on progress of work carried out by the committees and future tasks to the Prime Minister.

Secretary of the Working Committee Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko reported on preparations for holding the summit to Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Afterwards, Chairmen of the subcommittee Deputy Ministers and directors-general reported on their respective sectors. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and participants participated in the discussions.

After hearing the reports, the Prime Minister gave instructions that departmental officials are to coordinate tasks for timely completion.

Then, the Prime Minister inspected the design of the eastern archway of Kaba Aye Maha Pasana Cave and sample of jade to be put on interior and exterior of the cave. Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party went to Thirimingala Kaba Aye Hill and saw over the archway of the cave, greening tasks at the cave's environs and renovation tasks at interior of the cave and gave necessary instructions to officials.

YANGON, 21 Feb - The Leading Committee for Implementation of Myanmar-China Economic Agreements held its meeting at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha, here, at 9 am today, with an address by Chairman of the Leading Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, the ministers, the deputy ministers, members of the leading committee, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials.

First, Chairman of the Leading Committee for Implementation of Myanmar-China Economic Agreements Prime Minster General Khin Nyunt delivered an address. He said that agreements on economic cooperation were signed after goodwill visits by the Heads of State between Myanmar and China. As Myanmar, on its part, has agreed on bilateral economic cooperation among neighbouring countries, committees were set up to promptly implement the agreements. While implementing the agreement on economic cooperation between China and Myanmar laid down by State leaders of both sides during the goodwill visit of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe to the People's Republic of China and the goodwill visit of PRC leaders Mr Jaing Zemin and President Mr Hu Jintao, some agreements have been completed and some are being implemented. It is necessary to systematically carry out matters related to economic cooperation in the future. The Prime Minister invited ministries concerned to report tasks being carried out and to be done for rapid implementation of the bilateral economic cooperation agreements between Myanmar and China.

Next, Secretary of the Leading Committee Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung reported on economic plans to be implemented jointly by Myanmar and China.

Then, the ministers, the deputy ministers and committee members submitted reports on undertakings of Myanmar-China bilateral economic cooperation agreements and future tasks.

Later, the Prime Minister gave necessary instructions and the meeting came to an end.

YANGON, 21 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Member of the House of Representatives Mr Ikuzo Sakurai and party at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 5 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General U Soe Tint of the Government Office and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

YANGON, 21 Feb - A dinner in honour of Myanmar soccer team that brought credit to the nation winning the trophy of the first U-18 BIMST-EC soccer tournament held in Phuket, Thailand, was hosted at the Karaweik Palace in Kandawgyi Gardens here this evening, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Council Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, MOC members, deputy ministers, members of the Leading Panel of Patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, the patron of Myanmar Football Federation and members, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, presidents of sports federations and members, members of social organizations, athletes, wellwishers and guests.

Before the ceremony, the Prime Minister viewed documentary photos of the victorious soccer team taken during their training sections and matches.

In his address, the Prime Minister said that it is heartening and worthy of pride not only for the entire people but also for Myanmar youth soccer players who lifted the trophies of ASEAN youth soccer tournament and the first U-18 BIMST-EC soccer tournament at a time when the entire Myanmar people are longing for the victory of Myanmar soccer teams in the international tournaments. Myanmar won the first U-17 ASEAN soccer tourney (2002) and the first U-18 ASEAN soccer tourney (2003) as well as the first U-18 BIMST-EC soccer tournament deservedly, and it means Myanmar youth soccer teams have achieved victories one after another. Now is the time when the entire people are making concerted efforts to enable the nation to catch up with international levels in economic, social, cultural and sports spheres to stand tall with national prestige and integrity among the world nations. At such a time, efforts are being employed with lofty aim, ardent desire, decisive determination and constant perseverance for achieving success in the sports sector with national concern.

In accord with the concept that winning victory in the international sports games elevates the dignity of the nation and the people, the Government has been taking systematic measures in implementing the policies and work programmes on sports for promotion of the national sports standard after laying down the ultimate goal "Myanmar Sports the World to Conquer".

Thanks to the hearty and active performances of the sports federations, generous donations of national entrepreneurs, strenuous efforts of the athletes and encouragement of the people in addition to the State's correct sports promotion policy and systematic measures, it has revitalized Myanmar sports standard to a certain degree.

Now, Myanmar has achieved success again in ASEAN games, and it has started to penetrate Asian and world levels in some sports events. However, it has been a long time since Myanmar last won the victory in soccer, the national sports event. That is why the entire people are providing great encouragement with a passion for the victory of Myanmar soccer team that could dominate the ASEAN soccer world and penetrate the Asian level. Myanmar has achieved success in soccer for several times due to the encouragement of the entire people but the success has not met with the expectation of the people. Brilliant Myanmar youth footballers have turned out and began to win victory.

Myanmar team set unbeaten record in the soccer tournament. It is heartening to note that 10-man Myanmar team won the final match.

The achievement has revealed stamina, team spirits and strong determination of Myanmar team. That is why the footballers, the manager and the coach were honoured, he said.

U Aung Ko Win, Chairman of Kanbawza Bank Co Ltd, provided necessary assistance for Myanmar soccer teams. Over K 674 million, 550,000 bahts and over US$ 100,000 were provided to Myanmar Football Federation through Myanmar National Olympic Council for promotion of the standard of Myanmar football beginning 2000.

On behalf of the government and football players, he expressed thanks for donations. He also thanked patrons of MFF, presidents and executives for winning

the trophy of the first BIMST-EC U-18 football tournament after reforming of the MFF. He spoke of the need for the MFF to make continued efforts for achieving success under the correct leadership and active participation.

The government is making arrangements to promote Myanmar football standard for acceleration of the prospects and success of Myanmar youth football players, he said.

He said arrangements have been made for construction of standard training grounds and stadiums, upgrading of football grounds, appointing efficient coaches, providing nutritious food and assigning duties to doctors to check up records on health of individual players. Arrangements are being made to provide accommodations, track suits, sports techniques and sports gear to football players, he said. At a time when high-ranking officials, MFF officials, wellwishers and sports fans are encouraging the football unanimously Myanmar selected football players are to achieve more success with firm determination and full perseverance.

He urged the players to make efforts for winning successive victories in international football matches with strong determination maintaining momentum of

success achieved and for increasing encouragement and expectations of the people and repaying the gratitude of the people. In conclusion, he praised Myanmar youth football team that brought honour to the nation for winning victory.

The Prime Minister presented K 23 million donated by the State Peace and Development Council to the football team- K 1 million each for players and the coach and K 500,000 each for the manager and the doctor.

Director-General U Win Mra of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented 10,000 bahts donated by Myanmar Embassy in Thailand for the team to Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint. On behalf of Patron of MFF Chairman of Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win and wife Daw Nan Than Htwe, Managing Director of Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Zaw Win Naing K 11.5 million to Deputy Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thein Aung. Then cash donations were made. President of MFF Chairman of Dagon International Ltd U Win Aung presented K 10 million, Chairman of Tawwin Family Co U Ko Ko Htwe K 5 million, Chairman of Shwe

Than Lwin Co Ltd U Kyaw Win K 7 million, Managing Director of TMW Enterprise U Wai Lwin K 3,060,000, Managing Director of Asia World Co Ltd U Tun Myint Naing K

3 million, the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry K 2 million, Managing Director of Myanmar Teak Wood Ltd U Kyi Sein K 1.5 million and other wellwishers K 7.69 million.

Patron of the MFF Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and officials accepted the donations.

Next, Maung Zaw Htet Aung spoke words of thanks. The documentary video of the match between Myanmar and India youth teams was shown and dinner was hosted.

YANGON, 21 Feb - At the invitation of Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Mr Luo Haocai, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU) of the People's Republic of China and party arrived here by air this evening to pay a goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar.

Mr Luo Haocai and party were welcomed at the Yangon International Airport by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Secretary General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Minister for Cooperatives Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China Mr Li Jinjun and Embassy officials.

Mr Luo Haocai is accompanied by Mr Li Beihai, Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Chinese association for International Understanding (CAIFU), Mr Yue Meizhen, Director-General of International Department of Central Committee of Communist Party of China and Council Member of CAIFU, Ms Yun Suidong, Vice Director General of International Department of Central Committee of Communist Party of China and Council Member of CAIFU, Mr Ma Jin, Associate Secretary General of Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU) and other responsible officials.

YANGON, 21 Feb-Chairman of Myanmar Police Force Management Reform Committee Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein attended the second and third four-monthly work coordination meeting for 2003 of MPF at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs here at 1 pm today and made a speech on the occasion.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Director-General of MPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi, the MPF deputy director-general, police brigadier-generals, police commanders, commanders of state and division MPFs, the principals of police training schools and commanders of police battalions and others.

First, Chairman of Myanmar Police Force Management Reform Committee Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein made a speech. He said that the government is making all-out efforts for the emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation after laying down the 12 national objectives. He added the government has declared that its future objective is to build a discipline-flourishing democratic nation through the seven-point political programme of the State.

The most important thing not only in building a new modern and developed nation but also in transforming the nation into a democratic one is stability of the State, security and prevalence of law and order. The national development tasks can not be carried out and a democratic nation can not be built either in the absence of stability of the State, security and prevalence of law and order.

That is why stability of the State, security and prevalence of law and order are absolutely imperative. The Head of State has pointed out that good armed forces, good police forces and good administrative bodies are required for ensuring stability of the State, security and prevalence of law and order he noted.

In the process, the government is building the Tatmadaw into a strong, highly qualified and modern one to be able to safeguard the nation as long as the world exists.

At the same time, Myanmar Police Force Management Reform Committee was formed in 1994 with its six sub-committees and the committee has now entered its tenth anniversary. The aim of the committee is to build MPF to be systematic one, to be the one loved by the people and to be a reserve force for the national defence.

The Secretary-2 said that the Chairman of the committee was Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt (now Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt) and the responsibilities are now handed over to him. Therefore, with the six sub-committees, he will have to make strenuous efforts for successful realization of the objectives of MPF accepting the guidance of the Head of State.

The Head of State has prescribed the three main responsibilities of MPF-to ensure community peace and prevalence of law and order, to enable the people to earn their living with peace of mind under the protection of law and to serve the national defence and security duties in times of emergency-and the tasks are to be carried out dutifully, he stressed.

Furthermore, the MPF must have patriotic spirit and be capable and modern. To be patriotic, the MPF is to quit the ideas of colonial period and unsavoury bureaucratic acts, and to be equipped with the spirit to stand by the people, to be one with the people and to help the people and the spirit to cherish the nation and the people and Union Spirit.

To be capable, the MPF needs to undergo a constant training. To be modern, it needs to constantly learn computer science and modern science and technology.

In carrying out the main police tasks of community peace and prevalence of law and order, the police officers are to avoid four partialities and stay away from taking bribes in consideration of their rank and dignity.

In exposing the suspects, the police officers themselves are to go right down to the scene and search the evidences thoroughly and arrest the real suspects with firm evidence to support the case. In doing so, they are to cooperate with the judges, law officers, prosecution members, forensic doctors and laboratory experts. Only then, will they be able to expose the real suspects and give them the deterrent sentence.

Some committed crimes due to greed, anger and ignorance and some did so under unavoidable circumstances. There are also some who have been accused of committing crimes. Therefore, it is required to expose the real culprits patiently and take action against them. Police officers are to quit unfair and unsavoury acts of colonial period.

In discharging the national duty, there have been incidents that some powers are now attempting to bully and influence the small developing nations taking advantage of their superiority in military strength, technology and wealth, and are invading and occupying them with their military forces.

He spoke of the need for Myanmar Police Force to be one with the people in order to ward off powerful enemy. He said it must have ability to organize the people to enhance patriotism of the people. Upholding the interest of the people, efforts are to be made to enable MPF to become the force which people love, he added.

He said police battalions are to preserve the twelve traditions of the police force, building five qualities like the Tatmadaw. In addition to its duties, the police force needs to be trained and ready for any tasks to be assigned by the State, he said.

He said as a national duty, the police force is to carry out the tasks for eradication of narcotic drugs which was left as the evil legacy of the colonialists to be free from Myanmar soil while implementing the two strategies and three tactics practically.

He said educative activities are to be undertaken among the people as narcotic drugs tarnish the nation and dignity of the people and are very dangerous to mankind. Endeavours are to be made for cultivation of poppy substitute crops in accord with the New Destiny Project, he added.

He said now nations of the world are laying down effective plans as the human trafficking issue comes to the fore. In connection with this, projects to take action against those who want to work abroad illegally were drafted and central supervisory committee was formed. Besides educative tasks, he said, effective actions are to be taken according to law in cooperation with regional authorities and social organizations.

In conclusion, he said, the MPF Management Reform Committee and various sub-committees would render assistance as far as possible for emergence of the police force equipped with form and essence and the one the people love. Members of the police force are to discharge duties for realization of the objectives upholding their dignity with patriotism and Union Spirit.

Control commander of MPF battalions control office Police Brig-Gen Than Han reported on organizational set-up, discharging security duty, livestock breeding and welfare tasks, community welfare services and tasks to be carried out. Director-General of MPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi gave a supplementary report.

Next, Police Commander of Ayeyawady Division Police Col Than Tun reported on work done during the third four-monthly period in 2003.

Principal of No 2 Police Training School Police Lt-Col Win Khaing reported on training programme of the school.

The Secretary-2, Police Chief of Staff Police Brig-Gen Win Myaing, deputy Director-General of MPF Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win and Director-General of MPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe presented prizes to the respective police forces for their outstanding performance.

The Secretary-2 delivered a concluding speech. He said MPF is to strive for enhancing form and essence and its members are to make trips to the grassroots levels for community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order in cooperation with regional administrative bodies, to take part in the tasks in the interest of the nation, to lay emphasis on economic, education, health and social matters of families of the MPF members and to extend its agriculture and livestock breeding tasks.

YANGON, 21 Feb- The Embassy of the People's republic of China in Myanmar donated five computers to the Ministry of Immigration & Population at the office

of the ministry yesterday afternoon. Present on the occasion were Minister for Immigration & Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister U Maung Aung, departmental heads, Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun and embassy staff. The ambassador explained the purpose of the donation. The minister spoke words of thanks.

YANGON, 21 Feb- The agreement signing ceremony on fishing rights between Fisheries De-partment and Siam Jonathan Co Ltd of Thailand was held at Grand Plaza Parkroyal on Alanpya Pagoda Road in Dagon Township on 19 February. Present were Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister U Aung Thein, Joint-Secretary of YCDC U Kyi Win, departmental heads and guests.

Director-General U Than Tun of Fisheries Department, Deputy Director-General U Hla Win and Chairman Mr Aroon Anthanapasart and Managing Director Mr Jirawat Supaseta Anun of Siam Jonathan Co Ltd of Thailand signed the agreement and exchanged the documents.

On 19 February morning, the meeting to coordinate mutual co-operation in fisheries between Myanmar and Thailand was held at the Fisheries department.

YANGON, 21 Feb - Made in India Show continued for the third day today at Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazun-daung Road in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township here from 9 am to 5 pm. It was packed with departmental officials, businessmen and the public. At the show, 100 booths of 71 Indian companies put on display and sell iron and steel wares, electrical goods, industrial machinery, medicines, medical equip-ment, farm implements, sewing machines, different types of bicycles, personal goods, clothes and cosmetics. It will continues till 22 February.

YANGON, 20 Feb - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected Kyee-on Kyee-wa Dam Project being undertaken by the Irrigation Department in Pwintbyu, Minbu District, Magway Division, on 17 February.

Director of the Construction-3 U Tun Aung Lwin reported on construction of separation wall of the main embankment. The minister looked into construction of the main embankment.

Next, the minister proceeded to Maday Dam Project near Gyobin Village west of Pathein-Monywa Road in Kanma Township, Magway Division. Director of Construction-2 of the ID U Tin Maung Ohn reported on construction of the main embankment, spillway and conduit and storage capacity of the dam. The minister gave instructions and looked into the project site.

In the evening, the minister inspected Khawa Dam Project near Chinywagyi in Padaung Township, Bago Division. Officials reported on building of the main bridge. The minister gave instructions on ensuring simultaneous completion of the project and irrigation system, extended irrigation of cultivable land, crop patterns and minimizing loss and wastage. Afterwards, the minister inspected the Kunchaung-2 Dam Project near Tatkon Village, Kyangin Township, Ayeyawady Division. Officials reported on work progress and future tasks. The minister gave instructions on construction of the main embankment in accordance with the original design, and timely completion of construction tasks.

YANGON, 21 Feb- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by departmental officials arrived in Mamya Dam in Hmyinwataung, Myanaung Township, on 18 February.

Officials reported on construction of the main embankment, spillway and conduit. Then, the minister inspected construction of the spillway.

On arrival at Kanyin Dam near Tatkon Village, Ingapu Township, officials reported on completion of separation wall and construction for the main embankment. The minister inspected construction tasks.

In Kwinkauk region, the minister inspected thriving summer paddy with the use of irrigated water of Nankathu Dam and gave instructions on extension of agriculture.

In the afternoon, the minister saw over digging of 46,200 feet long main canal of Myokwin river water pumping project in Hinthada Township.

At Hsemyaung Yeiktha in Hinthada, the minister met with industrial entrepreneurs and departmental officials and gave instructions on production and

departmental tasks. Then, the minister inspected maintenance of Panhlaing sluice gate in Nyaungdon Township. In Htantabin Township, the minister looked into summer paddy field and sales of fertilizers and gave necessary insrtuctions.

YANGON, 21 Feb- Yangon Division Super-visory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport held the coordination meeting at the hall of Yangon Command

yesterday, attended by Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Col Wai Lwin, military region com-manders, local authorities of Yangon Division and districts, members of the supervisory committee and chairmen of bus lines.

First, Supervisory Committee Chairman Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave a speech. Then, the supervisory committee members took part in the discussions. Later, the meeting came to an end with remarks by the commander.

YANGON, 21 Feb - Members of the Tatmadaw and Myanmar Police Force, staff of Yangon City Development Committee, those of NGOs and the public today carried out sanitation works in Yangon municipal areas. Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and YCDC Chairman Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin inspected the tasks and gave necessary instructions to officials.

First, the com-mander and the mayor inspected dredging of ditches on both sides of 38th Street between Maha Bandoola and Anawrahta Streets. They next went to Bo Sun Pat Street in Pabedan Township and looked into unblocking of ditches and sanitation tasks and gave necessary instructions to officials. The commander, the mayor and party then inspected dredging of Thamaing creek in Mindhamma Road in Mayangon Township for proper drainage and clearing of rubbish and weeds. Officials reported to them on implementation of dredging works in the creek. After giving necessary instructions to officials, the commander and the mayor proceeded to Shwepyitha Township in Yangon North District and unblocking of ditches and sanitation tasks on Sethmudetha Street between No 4 Highway and Mahogani Street. The commander instructed officials to maintain the durability of flat gates. Afterwards, the commander and the mayor saw over sanitation tasks being carried out along Sittway Street in Hlinethaya Township. The commander and the mayor then gave instructions on construction of box culverts in Yangon municipal areas, measures to be taken for sanitation and dredging works for proper drainage, systematic disposing of garbage and cooperation between local authorities and departmental officials. Similarly, dredging and sanitation  tasks were carried out in other townships.

YANGON, 21 Feb - Vice-President of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation Daw Than Than Nwe and party left Yangon for Mawlamyine on 18 February.

They met with CEC member of Mon State Organization for Women's Affairs at Dawna Hall of South-East Command Headquarters. Vice-President Daw Than Than Nwe explained the purpose of their field trip. Member of the Secretariat Daw Kyu Kyu clarified organizational set-up and joining to it. Working Group leaders Daw Mya Mya and Daw Yin Yin Lay explained organizing and functions of five working groups out of 16 working groups. Then, they answered the queries.

On 19 February morning, the meeting to explain organizational set-up was held in the town hall in Mawlamyine, attended by the Mon State Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander of South-East Command Commander's wife Daw Than Than Nwe, members of the panel of patrons of Mon State Organization for Women's Affairs and members totalling over 960. Vice-President Daw Than Than Nwe gave a speech, saying that officials of the federation went on field trips to States and Divisions for clarification of their tasks.

In Mawlamyine, they will explain organizational set-up and functions of the federation. Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and Working Committee for Women's Affairs were formed by the State. As there are 50.3 per cent of women out of the country's population, there are limits to effectively carry out women's affairs of the entire nation. Therefore, Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation was formed on 20 December 2003. The federation is a non-governmental organization. 

The federation is undertaking its tasks under seven lofty aims such as uplift of women's role, protection of the women's rights, development of social, education, health and economic affairs of women and securing women's life, uplift of morale that adores traditional customs, prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation, prevention of trafficking in women and children and cooperation with international, regional and local organizations. Entire women of the country are to be organized to submit membership applications on their own accord and it should not be compulsory. Realizing lofty aims of the federation for development of the women's life, participants in the meeting are to actively strive for enabling women to become intellectual and intelligentsia in accord with the motto 'Let's make efforts for development of women's life'.Then, the member of Secretariat and leaders of working group explained functions of their working groups. Then, Vice-President Daw Than Than Nwe accepted K 4.5 million from wellwishers and spoke words of thanks.